Backward, flow backward, O tide of the years! I am so weary of toil and of tears,- Toil without recompense, tears all in vain! Take them, and give me my childhood again!

Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight! Make me a child again, just for to-night!

Behold, we live through all things,-famine, thirst, Bereavement, pain; all grief and misery, All woe and sorrow; life inflicts its worst On soul and body,-but …